Nigeria Was Already ‘Dead’ Before Tinubu Took Over; Says Wike
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has said that President Bola Tinubu inherited a dead economy, adding that only tough and unpopular decisions can bring the country back to life.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, Wike defended the Tinubu-led administration’s policies and warned Nigerians, particularly Christians, not to make another “sentimental mistake” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The service was held to mark the successful commissioning of 16 projects in the FCT.
“The country was dead”
According to Wike, Nigeria was already in a terrible state before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023. He said citizens should not expect instant results or miracles from a country that had suffered years of mismanagement.
“The country was dead,” he said. “It takes bold decisions to revive it. This is not a church service where you say, ‘in Jesus’ name, be healed’ and things change instantly. No, governance is not like that.”
Warns church over 2027 elections
Wike also cautioned the Church against what he called an almost costly mistake in 2023, referring to the overwhelming support many Christians gave to Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
“We nearly made the worst mistake,” he said. “Some of you supported someone you barely knew just because of sentiments. Next time, ask questions. We are politicians, don’t just take our words at face value.”
The former Rivers State Governor criticised Peter Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, accusing him of running a one-man show by failing to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure.
“Where was democracy when he acted as governor and chairman of all LGAs?” Wike asked. “Yet, some of you said that was the man who would save Nigeria. Really?”
Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja as an example of the new administration’s efficiency. He revealed that under the previous operators, the government received just ₦50 million annually, but after the intervention, over ₦700 million was generated in just three weeks.
“Those people now say they want to rescue Nigeria. Is that not laughable?” Wike queried. “They had their chance—eight, even 20 years in power—and did nothing.”
Security and subsidy issues pre-date Tinubu
Wike said security challenges, such as train bombings and the oil subsidy scam, existed long before Tinubu took office. “Those bombing trains to Kaduna—was that under Tinubu? The subsidy fraud was he president then?” he asked.
The Minister urged the Church and the public to continue praying for the current administration and not to fall for propaganda from those who had previously failed in leadership.
“All I ask is for patience and prayer,” he said. “Forget those who had their time and did nothing. They won’t get that chance again.”
Wike also referenced the huge financial gap between what his administration received as Rivers State governor and what states now earn under Tinubu.
“When I was governor, we never received more than ₦14 billion monthly. Some states now get over ₦50 billion,” he noted.
The Minister’s comments come as political alignments and conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.
